Blog of a course that allows students to learn how to use books, newspapers, magazines, journals, archives, databases, and the Internet to find and evaluate information on legendary creatures such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other cryptids. It also encourages the developement of critical thinking skills to deal with extraordinary claims and ideas for thinking about them.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Choosing a creature

So, I'm trying to pick one that will be interesting, challenging and unique (as in a cryptid not everyone else will pick as well). I've always been interested in stories about the Chupacabras - legendary creatures reported to roam Central and South America that have a habit of attacking livestock (particularly goats) and drinking their blood. The name Chupacabra actually translates to "goat sucker" in English. Last year, animal control officials in Texas reportedly shot and killed an odd looking dog creature that many thought could be one of the legendary creatures. The officials said it appeared to be some sort of dog/coyote hybrid with some type of mutation or viral infection. There's a lot of information and stories of Chupacabra encounters going back over the past century, it looks like.

I've also been reading about thelegendary Thunderbirds - massive, possibly prehistoric birds, that apparently are still spotted every once in a while. Washington state seems to be a hot spot for sightings, as well as Alaska. Many native peoples have legends and myths centered around Thunderbirds.

This is a really old but famous Thunderbird photo. Although, I think its validity is certainly questionable.

Lots of good choices. I would encourage everyone to really hunt around. I think the two weeks worth of presentations will be way more interesting if not everyone talks about Bigfoot or Nessie.